What is Cancer?

Cancer happens when a gene becomes damaged and the cell begins to grow out of control.

Cancer in its many forms is not only the principle cause of death in adult men, it is also an important cause of potential years of life lost killing many boys and young men in their prime life.

What causes it?

Although the exact causes of most types of cancer are yet to be elucidated, evidence shows that our lifestyles such as smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse and exposure to radiation are the most important factors associated with cancer. Genetic inheritance plays only a minor part.

What are the early warning signs?

Different cancers can present in different ways, and some cancers often go unnoticed. Being "cancer smart" means learning about their early signs and symptoms, getting to know your body, being aware of any abnormal change, and spotting its early warning signs, such as:

• Coughs that do not go away
  
• Blood in sputum and nasal secretion
  
• A hoarseness that hangs around
• Change in bowel habit, or blood in urine or stool
  
• Lumps in neck, abdomen or other part of the body
  
• Sores or ulcers that do not heal
  
• A mole that changes shape, size and colour
• Persistent loss of appetite or difficulty in swallowing
• A persistent loss of weight that cannot be explained
  

The above symptoms may not necessarily indicate the presence of underlying cancerous disease, but they may be important early warnings. So it is wise to consult a doctor if you have queries.

How can I prevent it?

"Cancer smart" also means adopting a healthy lifestyle, or making some habit changes that could help you cut your risk of developing cancer. Tips for being cancer smart include:

• Quit smoking
  
• Cut back on fatty foods and eat more fresh fruit, vegetables, grains and cereals
  
• Exercise regularly
  
• Limit alcohol intake
  
• Taking extra skin care in the sun
  
• Avoid unnecessary stress
  
• Make early detection and follow the cancer screening guidelines, especially if you have a family history of cancer
  
• Follow all the health and safety regulations if you work with dangerous chemicals or radiation
  
• Vaccinate against hepatitis B
  

How do I find out if I have cancer?

If you notice any symptoms as described above, you should consult a doctor immediately. Cancer can be diagnosed by x-rays, blood tests, urine tests, stool tests, and procedures to obtain tissue samples from specific or related sites for laboratory examination.

Early treatment of a cancerous tumour, before it gets too big or spreads, means better chance of recovery. Treatment for cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy (use of anti-cancer or hormonal drugs), or radiotherapy (use of x-rays to target and kill cancer cells), alone or in combination. The doctor will recommend the optimal treatment depending on the sites involved and the size of the tumour, along with the extent to which it affects the patient's life, and the presence of any other medical conditions.